This week's shouting match in the street by so-called 'political leaders' shows why we need to change the face of politics in Northern Ireland. That's the Women's Coalition priority. The divided, broken-down politics of the past won't deliver progress, peace or prosperity for any community in Northern Ireland.
People doubt that certain politicians can or want to make the Good Friday Agreement work. The Women's Coalition is different. We have always been driven by the vision of a shared future for Northern Ireland. We stand for real progress for Northern Ireland, not progress in opinion polls. Progress in the economy, in politics and for our communities.
We will not bring you spin and spectacle, or shouting matches staged for the press. We bring you committed representatives, working for the whole community, not just one part of it.
This week's street scuffles symbolise everything that is wrong with old-style politics in Northern Ireland. Parties bickered over billboards and TV appearances, rather than addressing issues of concern or relevance to people's lives. The Women's Coalition has put its energies into fighting poverty and defending the needs of the constituencies we represent, not fighting other political parties or defending our turf.
We have proved time and time again that you can work with your political opponents, and that more progress is made when you do. That's why we have repeatedly called for round-table talks to solve our political problems, not more backroom deals.
When the electioneering has finished, parties will work to get the process back on track. The same task that was set before the election will be there after the election. With the public vote safely behind them, politicians must break the logjam and restore the assembly as soon as possible.
The assembly and Northern Ireland would be the poorer if the Women's Coalition were not there. Northern Ireland needs strong opposition to challenge the government and hold them accountable. We forced the executive to set up a children's commissioner, for example. We did not have to follow any government party line when we represented our constituents' interests.
As a cross-community party, our contribution to the peace talks and to the assembly is invaluable. We have a positive approach to politics. Even when it is deadlocked and divisive, we look for solutions.
We are aiming to build up Northern Ireland, not tear it down. Instead of 'not an inch' or 'not a bullet', we look for where there is room to get movement.
If you are frustrated with what you've seen pass for politics in the past week, past month or past year, come out and vote for change. The Women's Coalition is a constructive vote.
'Change the Face of Politics' is our election slogan and our challenge to voters.
Join us in changing politics in Northern Ireland, both the faces in the assembly and the way politics is done, for the better.
